Invertebrates
Dragonhunter
Hagenius brevistylus · also called dragonhunters
Perched on streamside vegetation along a clean forested river, a dragonhunter watches for passing prey with an ambition unusual even among dragonflies, one of the largest species in North America and bold enough to attack and eat other dragonflies nearly its own considerable size.
Overview
The dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus, is a large, powerful dragonfly native to clean, forested stream and river habitat across a broad range of eastern North America. Its record-setting size among North American dragonflies, unusually powerful spiny legs, and genuine willingness to prey on other large dragonflies make it one of the most formidable aerial predators found among its own order.
A predator that hunts up, not down
While most dragonflies stick to prey considerably smaller than themselves, the dragonhunter’s large size and powerful legs let it take on other dragonflies close to its own size, a level of predatory ambition that lives up to its name.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and stable across suitable clean stream and river habitat throughout eastern North America.
Dragonhunter: common questions
Does the dragonhunter really eat other dragonflies close to its own size?
Yes, this species is notably bold in its hunting choices, willing to attack and consume other dragonflies nearly its own considerable size, a level of predatory ambition uncommon even among dragonflies generally, made possible by its unusually large size and powerful, spiny legs suited to gripping large, actively struggling prey.
How big does a dragonhunter get?
This species is among the largest dragonfly species found anywhere in North America, with a body length and wingspan that exceeds most other dragonflies sharing its clean forested stream habitat, a size advantage that directly supports its unusually ambitious hunting choices.
How long does a dragonhunter spend as a larva?
This species spends its larval stage underwater as a predatory aquatic nymph for a period that can last several years, notably longer than many smaller dragonfly species require, before eventually emerging from the water and transforming into its large, powerful adult form.
Where does the dragonhunter live?
This species is native to clean, forested stream and river habitat across a broad range of eastern North America, frequently perching on streamside vegetation where it can watch for passing prey, and its dependence on good water quality makes it somewhat sensitive to pollution and sedimentation.